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Embedded M2M Solutions Week in Review

As summer draws to a close and long weekend festivities are underway, let’s take a few moments to look back on the highlights from another bustling week in the machine to machine (M2M) market space.

M2M is a powerful, growing technology that requires an equally well-equipped mobile network to support it. As a result, the wireless market is an interesting one to watch, and for mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), it presents a wealth of opportunity for growth. Significant changes have emerged over the last few years for the market, and this evolution isn’t expected to stop. Capacity gains are also possible through Long Term Evolution standards to support 4G technology. True end-to-end IP connectivity and VoLTE (voice over LTE (News - Alert)) are shaking up the market. Business models and industry participants are changing thanks to LTE and operational support systems are changing to improve quality of services and to introduce the new user experience to try and secure the competitive advantage.

Campus safety is a big concern these days, and now embedded M2M solutions are helping address the issue. Telit Wireless (News - Alert) Solutions is adding the North American CE910-DUAL version of its xE910 line of devices, meaning that Campus Eye versions currently reporting as MessageQube devices with a CC864 module will get upgraded somewhat to the new CE910-DUAL. The Campus Eye system includes a unique, 10-digit phone number, as well as a free mobile app that allows for better reporting of incidents. The app even allows for a note of location tracking and the ability to include photos with reports, making the information that comes in about as accurate and timely as can be had without actually being on the scene.

Home ownership is no small feat, and finding ways to improve efficiencies within the home while cutting costs and energy use is a big deal. EcoFactor recently introduced a cloud-based HVAC Performance Monitoring service that does thermal modeling for houses, assessing how the home’s climate control systems are working. This can help homeowners improve HVAC performance and understand when maintenance is required, so they can take care of it before a whole system change-out is required. This week, the company revealed results from Nevada’s NV Energy, detailed in a report the power company filed with Nevada’s PUC. The report indicates that EcoFactor technology reduced AC usage by 11 percent last year and reduced peak loads by more than 4 kW per connected home and more than 2.7 kW per connected thermostat. That equated to about $100 per home in annual savings.

M2M is also finding its way into the retail industry. One of the most high-profile shopping destinations in the world, Regent Street in London, has come up with a solution called Autograph, which provides personalized information to consumers from 130 high-end retailers on the famous street using these small devices. The technology requires small beacons that have to be strategically mounted to transmit information to smartphones or tablets as customers stroll along. More and more companies are now starting to produce beacons, and the latest is Estimote, a technology startup building a sensor -based analytics and engagement platform with beacons it calls Nearables.

These are just the highlights from another busy week in the M2M space, so be sure to check back to Embedded M2M Solutions regularly for all the latest trends and news.